Nikema Williams

Member of Congress

Avoid Scams this Tax Season

Tax time is here! It is time to stay vigilant to against fraudulent tax preparation. Although in most cases taxpayers are unaware of fraud on the part of the tax preparer, they can still be held accountable for the return. Choose a trustworthy tax preparer to avoid accountability for fraudulent returns. Watch the IRS video for safety tips, you can view it here: https://vimeo.com/906153120\. Don’t fall victim to tax scams.

Make a Difference through the FEMA Youth Preparedness Council

📢 Attention young leaders! Join FEMA's Youth Preparedness Council! Grade 8-11 students can enhance leadership, network nationwide, and aid in disaster projects. Apply by March 4, 2024. Attend the informational webinar on Feb 27, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Keeping Housing Safe and Secure for Everyone

As a member of the House Committee on Financial Services, I’m dedicated to crafting policy that provides for safe, affordable and desirable housing. In Atlanta we’ve seen what families in HUD housing have been forced to endure when properties are neglected by management companies. It is unacceptable, and I am committed to working with HUD to make sure no family is left to live in such deplorable conditions. During a recent Financial Services hearing, I asked Secretary Marcia Fudge what she needs from Congress to keep this from happening. You can catch a clip here.

Seeking Update on Investigation of Fulton County Jail

The Fulton County Jail is grappling with overcrowding and deteriorating conditions, resulting in the tragic deaths of 25 incarcerated people in the past two years. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, last year the Department of Justice announced an investigation into the jail. Completing the investigation is critical for safeguarding the rights of incarcerated individuals. I co-led a letter with Senators Warnock and Ossoff asking Attorney General Merrick Garland for an update on the investigation and its findings. Read the letter.

Standing Against the Criminalization of Pregnancy

January marked what would have been the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade. In the years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in harmful laws that target people seeking abortions or physicians providing abortions. It’s no coincidence that the top 10 states with the highest rates of maternal mortality all have abortion bans–and this includes Georgia. Alongside more than 100 Democratic colleagues, I co-led a letter calling for President Biden, the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services to take all steps necessary to protect against the criminalization of pregnancy. We wrote the letter amidst a growing pattern of people facing criminal charges related to their pregnancies and pregnancy outcomes including Brittany Watts, a woman unjustly charged with a felony related to her pregnancy last year. I will continue to stand firm in the fight for the freedom to make personal medical decisions. More on the letter from NPR.

Welcomed Vice President Kamala Harris for Voting Rights Conversation

The Fifth District is the cradle of the civil rights movement. Vice President Harris knows this and came to the Gathering Spot for a roundtable on voting rights. It was an honor to welcome the Vice President to Atlanta, and continue our work to ensure everyone has free and fair access to the ballot box.

Multi-Generational Celebration of Black Entrepreneurs with Leader Jeffries

There are few things more exciting than celebrating Atlanta’s long history as a mecca for Black entrepreneurs. Doing that with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries was even better! I hosted Leader Jeffries at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs with entrepreneurs generating over $500 million in revenue. We also visited Busy Bee Cafe and Bobby’s Barbershop so Leader Jeffries could meet the entrepreneurs who helped pave the way for everyone at the Russell Center. Investing in Black entrepreneurs is good for our communities and one of the strongest ways to help close the racial wealth gap.

Increasing Access to School Nutrition with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

When our children are hungry, they can’t learn at school. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack joined me and East Point Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham at Tri-Cities High School to hear how the Fulton County Public Schools is increasing access to nutrition for our scholars. I will keep working with the Biden-Harris administration to increase investment in fighting childhood hunger.

Honoring the Legacy of Atlanta’s First Black Mayor

On January 8, 1974 Maynard Jackson became the first Black mayor of Atlanta, creating the city we know today. Because of Mayor Jackson’s commitment to equity, he opened countless doors for entrepreneurs that had historically been shut. I couldn’t miss the City of Atlanta’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of Mayor Jackson’s swearing in because his legacy continues to be felt today!

MLK Day Parade Grand Marshal in the Footsteps of Dr. King

It was an honor to serve as the Grand Marshal for the MLK Day March through Downtown Atlanta, retracing many of the same steps Dr. King took. We marched as a reminder to continue working towards Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community. While progress takes time we must stay the course!

Celebrating the Vision of a Beloved Community

Rev. Bernice A. King and all the recipients of the King Center’s Beloved Community Awards are leading the charge for a more equitable country. I was proud to join them on MLK Day Weekend and present the Civic Leadership Award to the Faith and Politics Institute President & CEO Rob Wilson-Black.

Hosting Elected Leaders from Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District

To effectively work for the people, I have to collaborate with the Fighting Fifth’s leaders across all levels of government. I hosted legislative luncheons with mayors and state legislators from every part of the Congressional District. During these working meetings, I provided a legislative update and heard feedback on other legislative solutions to explore.

HBCU Battle of the Bands

I’m a third-generation alumni of Talladega College and Congresswoman for the Atlanta University Center, and I got to uplift the excellence of our HBCUs at the HBCU Culture National Battle of the Bands–where the Talladega College Great Tornado Band blew the roof off with their performance! At halftime, I presented a $50,000-check to fund HBCU band member scholarships.

Inspiring My Alpha Kappa Alpha Sisters to Run for Office

Black women deserve a seat at the table and it’s important that I reach back to help other women interested in running for office. I joined the Alpha Beta Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for their Women in Politics Forum and a discussion on how to get started in politics. When Black women lead, everyone wins!

Carter's First Swearing In

My Cartercakes had his first ever swearing in! He was elected by his Deerwood Academy class members as their member of the student government.

Joining the Two New APS Board Members for Their Swearing In

I’m the proud parent of an APS scholar and joined the Atlanta Board of Education to celebrate the swearing in of two new board members and another year of partnership. Our students are in good hands with the leadership of APS!